A regional clinical audit of the provision of adjuvant systemic anti-cancer treatment following lung cancer resection in eligible patients across Greater Manchester to support national benchmarking

Introduction: Adjuvant anti-cancer systemic therapy (SACT) following lung resection improves overall survival in stage II/II non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The Getting It Right First Time (GIRFT) National Specialty Report for Lung Cancer recommends centres publish adjuvant SACT rates for National benchmarking and proposes a target of >40% of eligible patients undergo SACT. We report a regional audit into the uptake of adjuvant SACT in Greater Manchester (GM). Method(s): A retrospective case review of all patients undergoing curative-intent NSCLC surgery with a pathological stage of II/III from 01/01/21 to 30/04/21. Data collected included patient demographics, uptake of adjuvant SACT, reasons for no adjuvant SACT and tolerance and complications of SACT. Result(s): 58 patients underwent surgical resection within the audit period and were eligible for adjuvant SACT. Median age was 70 years (range 45 - 81) and 60% were female. 47% (27/58) commenced adjuvant SACT;41% (24/58) were treated with chemotherapy and 7% (4/58) were treated with tyrosine kinase inhibitors. 58% (14/24) of patients that commenced adjuvant chemotherapy completed 4 cycles. Carboplatin/Vinorelbine was the commonest regimen (82%, 18/22). There were no grade III-V complications and no chemotherapy-related deaths. Dose reduction due to toxicity was required in 14% (3/22). The reasons adjuvant systemic therapy was not given were patient choice in 32% (10/31), poor physical health such that risks outweighed benefits in 42% (13/31), and other reasons (e.g. need to treat synchronous primary tumours) in 26% (8/31). COVID-19 was not recorded as a cause for adjuvant omission/ dose reduction. Conclusion(s): This data provides national benchmarking information for adjuvant SACT in NSCLC and suggests the target of >40% is achievable and appropriate. Interventions that improve patient fitness pre- and post-operatively might increase adjuvant SACT uptake. This regional audit will be extended to review all eligible patients in 2021 and further data will be presented. Disclosure: No significant relationships.Copyright © 2023 Elsevier B.V.

Management of cardiovascular complications of BTKis: Are we complying with the good practice guidelines?

Bruton tyrosine kinase inhibitors (BTKis) were approved for use at the end of 2013 and have since been used for indications including chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL), Waldenstrom's macroglobulinaemia and mantle cell lymphoma. The use of BTKis has increased significantly in the UK since they achieved NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) approval for frontline treatment of CLL in 2021. However, they are associated with significant adverse cardiovascular events. In September 2021 the British Journal of Haematology published good practice guidelines for the management of cardiovascular complications of BTKis. Our aim was to see whether these guidelines had been adhered to for patients taking BTKis. Method(s): Data was collected for all patients being prescribed BTKis (ibrutinib and acalabrutinib) in the South Tees NHS Trust in July 2022. Patients' medical records were used to assess whether their management adhered to the good practice guidelines. Data was collated for 67 patients in total. Result(s): The data showed that although all patients were consented for the risk of atrial fibrillation only 6% were consented for hypertension and only 1.5% for ventricular arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death. The guidelines recommend a baseline ECG (electrocardiogram) on commencement of treatment;however, only 7% had this completed and 0% had the minimum monitoring recommendation of 6-monthly ECGs. Thirty patients (45%) had an indication for a baseline echocardiogram;however, only one had this completed. For patients reporting symptoms of syncope, dizziness or palpitations only 50% had an ECG completed. Three patients developed worsening heart failure. The recommendations suggest referral to a cardio-oncologist;however, due to lack of availability of this service the referrals were instead made to the usual cardiologist. Conclusion(s): Although there was a lack of compliance with guideline recommendations, it should be considered that most usual checks were affected by COVID-19 outbreaks and a drop in face-to- face clinics, which were replaced by phone clinics and home delivery of medications. However, the premade consent forms for BTKis need to be updated to include consent for ventricular arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death. There also needs to be routine procedures in place to ensure that regular blood pressure testing and ECG monitoring occurs and that there is prompt recognition of cardiovascular complications. Action and implementation: To ensure improved compliance with these guidelines we plan to update our consent forms and create a proforma for clinic use to ensure that clinicians are aware of the various monitoring criteria required.

Case Report of Succesful Multidisiplinary Treatment for Patient with Metastatic Lung Cancer and Relapsed/Refractory Chronic Lymphatic Leukemia/Small Lymphocytic Lymphoma

Introduction: Croatian National Cancer Registry of Croatian Institute for Public Health reported that in year 2020 lung cancer was the second most common cancer site diagnosed in men with 16% and the third most common in women with 10% incidence among all cancer sites. Unfortunatelly lung cancer has the highest mortality in both men and women. Haematological malignancies had 7% share in all malignancies in both male and female cances cases. In 2020 190 newly diagnosed cases of lymphatic leukemia in men and 128 cases in women were reporeted, meaning 1.5 and 1.2% of all malignancies, respectively. Chronic lymphatic leukemia (CLL) is an advanced age disease and incidence increases with age. Impaired immunity, T and B cell dysfunction in CLL, chromosomal aberations, long-term immunosuppressive therapy and genetic factors can all cause secondary malignancies. Co- occurence of solid tumors and CLL is very rare. Although patiens with CLL have an increased risk of developing second primary malignancies including lung carcinoma, the data about their clinical outcomes are lacking. Parekh et al. retrospectively analyzed patients with simultaneous CLL and lung carcinoma over a 20-year period, and they found that ~2% of patients with CLL actually developed lung carcinoma. The authors claimed that up to 38% of patients will also develop a third neoplasm more likely of the skin (melanoma and basal cell carcinoma), larynx (laryngeal carcinoma) or colon. Currently there are no specific guidelines for concurrent CLL and non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) treatment. Usually, when the tumors are diagnosed simultaneously, treatment is based to target the most aggressive malignancy, as the clinical outcomes depend on the response of the tumor with the poorest prognosis. For this reason, a multidisciplinary approach is mandatory. Case report: A patient with history of coronary heart disease, myocardial infarction and paroxysmal atrial fibrillation was diagnosed in 2019 (at the age of 71) with B chronic lymphocytic leukemia with bulky tumor (inguinal lymph nodes 8x5 cm), stage B according to Binet, intermediate risk. He was treated with 6 cycles of chemoimmunotherapy (rituximab/cyclofosfamid/fludarabine). In 10/2019 remission was confirmed, but MSCT described tumor in the posterior segment of upper right lung lobe measuring 20x17 mm and bilateral metastases up to 11 mm. Bronchoscopy and biopsy were performed, and EGFR neg, ALK neg, ROS 1 neg, PD-L1>50% adenocarcinoma was confirmed. He was referred to Clinical Hospital Center Osijek where monotherapy with pembrolizumab in a standard dose of 200 mg intravenously was started in 01/2020. Partial remission was confirmed in October 2020. Immunotherapy was discontinued due to development of pneumonitis, dysphagia and severe weight loss (20kg), but without radiologically confirmed disease progression. At that time he was referred to our hospital for further treatment. Gastroscopy has shown erosive gastritis with active duodenal ulcus, Forrest III. Supportive therapy and proton pump inhibitor were introduced. After complete regression of pneumonitis, improvement of general condition and resolution of dysphagia, no signs of lung cancer progression were found and pembrolizumab was reintroduced in 12/2021. Hypothyroidism was diagnosed in 01/2021 and levothyroxine replacement ther apy was started. In 03/2021 he underwent surgical removal of basal cell carcinoma of skin on the right temporal region with lobe reconstruction. From 02/2021, when pembrolizumab was reintroduced, regression in tumor size was continously confirmed with complete recovery of general condition. He was hospitalized for COVID 19 infection in 09/2021, and due to complications pembrolizumab was discontinued till 11/2021. Lung cancer immunotherapy proceeded till 11/2022, when Multidisciplinary team decided to finish pembrolizumab because of CLL relapse. CLL was in remission till August 2022 when due to B symptoms, lymphcytosis, anemia and generalized lymphadenopathy, hematological workup including biopsy of cervical lymph node was performed and CLL/SLL relapse was confirmed. Initially chlorambucil was introduced, but disease was refractory. Based on cytogenetic test results (IGHV unmutated, negative TP53) and due to cardiovascular comorbidity (contraindication for BTK inhibitors) venetoclax and rituximab were started in 01/2023. After just 1 cycle of treatment normal blood count as well as regression of B symptoms and peripheral lymphadenopathy occured, indicating the probability of complete disease remission. In our patient with metastatic lung adenocarcinoma excellent disease control is achieved during 41 month of treatment in first line setting. Furthermore, relapsed/refractory CLL/SLL is currently in confirmed remission. Conclusion(s): Successful treatment of patients with multiple primary malignancies is based on multidisciplinarity, early recognition and management of side effects, treatment of comorbidities with the aim of prolonging life, controlling symptoms of disease and preserving quality of life.

Long-Term Efficacy and Safety of Zanubrutinib in Patients with Relapsed/Refractory (R/R) Marginal Zone Lymphoma (MZL): Final Analysis of the Magnolia (BGB-3111-214) Trial

Introduction: Advanced MZL is generally incurable, with periods of remission and relapse. Zanubrutinib (BGB-3111), a potent and highly specific next-generation Bruton tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitor, was approved in the US and Canada for R/R MZL based on the MAGNOLIA primary analysis (BGB- 3111-214;NCT03846427);here, the final MAGNOLIA analysis is presented. Method(s): This was a phase 2, multicenter, single-arm study of adult patients (pts) with R/R MZL (>=1 prior CD20-directed therapy). Zanubrutinib (160 mg twice daily) was given until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. The primary endpoint was overall response rate (ORR) by independent review committee (IRC) per Lugano classification. Secondary endpoints were investigator-assessed ORR, duration of response (DOR), progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and safety. Efficacy was assessed by positron emission tomography (PET)-based Lugano criteria for IRC-confirmed fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG)-avid disease at baseline;non-avid disease was assessed by computed tomography (CT)-based criteria. Result(s): As of May 4, 2022, 68 pts were treated (median age=70 y [range 37-95];>=75 y=27.9%). MZL subtypes included extranodal (38.2%), nodal (38.2%), splenic (17.6%), and unknown (5.9%). The median number of prior therapies was 2 (range 1-6);32.4% of pts had disease refractory to last therapy, most (89.7%) had prior chemoimmunotherapy, and 7 (10.3%) had rituximab monotherapy as their only prior treatment. Sixty-one pts (89.7%) had FDG-avid disease. After a median follow-up of 28.0 mos (range 1.6-32.9) and a median treatment duration of 24.2 mos (range 0.9-32.9), 66 pts were efficacy- evaluable. IRC-assessed ORR (complete response [CR]+partial response [PR]) was 68.2% (CR=25.8%). By subtype, (Figure Presented)(Figure Presented)ORR/CR rates were 64.0%/40.0% (extranodal), 76.0%/20.0% (nodal), 66.7%/8.3% (splenic), and 50.0%/25.0% (unknown). Median DOR, PFS, and OS were not reached. Over 70.0% of pts were alive or progression-free after 2 years (Figure). Sensitivity analysis using only CT-based criteria (n=66) showed an ORR of 66.7% and CR of 24.2%. The most common treatment-emergent AEs were bruising (23.5%), diarrhea (22.1%), and constipation (17.6%). Neutropenia (8.8%) and COVID-19 pneumonia (5.9%) were the most common Grade >=3 AEs. Five pts (7.4%) died due to unrelated AEs: COVID-19 pneumonia=2, acute myeloid leukemia=1, myocardial infarction=1, septic encephalopathy=1. Hypertension occurred in 3 pts (4.4%), atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter in 1 pt (1.5%) each;none led to treatment withdrawal. One pt (1.5%) had a Grade 3 gastrointestinal hemorrhage while receiving rivaroxaban. None of the pts required dose reduction. Conclusion(s): In this final analysis with over 2 years of median follow-up, zanubrutinib continues to demonstrate durable disease control and was generally well tolerated, with no new safety signals observedCopyright © 2023 American Society for Transplantation and Cellular Therapy

Current and Future Trends in MS Management: Near East Perspective

Objective(s): The objectives were to provide an overview of the current practices of Near East (NE) healthcare practitioners (HCPs) by probing their prescribing decisions, to report the COVID-19 impacts on neurologists' prescribing habits, and to explore the future relevance of current medication used in MS management among other newcomers Material(s) and Method(s): A cross-sectional study was carried out using an online survey from April 27, 2022, to July 5, 2022. The questionnaire was designed with the input of five neurologists representing five NE countries (Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Jordan & Palestine). They identified several factors that play a crucial role in the optimal care of MS patients. The link was shared among neurologists using snowball sampling Result(s): The survey included 98 neurologists from the included NE countries, the majority of whom had more than 15 years of experience in the field, and 39% were seeing more than 40 MS patients a month. Effectiveness and safety balance was the most important factor considered when selecting the MS treatment. In the treatment of mild to moderate RRMS in men, Interferon beta 1a SC, Fingolimod, and Glatiramer acetate were the most commonly recommended treatments. Dimethyl fumarate substituted fingolimod in female patients. According to 80.7% of participants, interferon beta 1a SC was the safest treatment for mild to moderate RRMS. Interferon beta 1a SC was preferred over other treatments for patients with mild to moderate MS and planning for pregnancy (56.6%) or breastfeeding (60.2%). Fingolimod was not a choice for these patients. Neurologists seemed to discuss the top three treatments of Natalizumab, Ocrelizumab, and Cladribine with patients with highly active MS. Conclusion(s): Most neurologists in the NE region followed MENACTRIMS recommendations for prescribing treatment. The treatment choice also depended on the availability of DMTs in the region. Regarding the use of upcoming DMTs such as Ofatumumab, Siponimod, Ozanimod, and BTK inhibitors, there is a clear need for real-world data, long-term extension studies, and comparative studies to support their efficacy and safety profiles in treating patients with MSCopyright © 2022

Updated efficacy and safety of taletrectinib in patients (pts) with ROS1+ non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)

Background Taletrectinib is a potent, next-generation, CNS-active, ROS1 tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) with selectivity over TRKB. In previous reports from TRUST-I, taletrectinib showed meaningful clinical efficacy and was well tolerated in pts with ROS1+ NSCLC (n = 109) regardless of crizotinib (CRZ) pretreatment status. We report updated efficacy and safety data with ~1.5 yr follow-up. Methods TRUST-I is a multicenter, open-label, single-arm study with two cohorts: ROS1 TKI-naive and CRZ-pretreated. Pts in both cohorts received taletrectinib 600 mg QD. Key study endpoints included IRC-confirmed ORR (cORR), DoR, disease control rate (DCR), PFS, and safety. A pooled analysis of ORR, PFS, and safety including pts from additional clinical trials was also conducted. Results In the 109 pts from TRUST-I (enrolled prior to Feb 2022) the median follow-up was 18.0 mo in TKI-naive (n = 67) and 16.9 mo in CRZ-pretreated pts (n = 42). cORR was 92.5% in TKI-naive and 52.6% in CRZ-pretreated pts (table). Median DoR (mDoR) and mPFS were not reached. Intracranial-ORR was 91.6%;ORR in pts with G2032R was 80.0%. In a pooled analysis with phase I studies, ORR was 89.5% and 50.0% for TKI-naive and CRZ-pretreated pts, respectively;mPFS was 33.2 mo and 9.8 mo. In 178 pts treated at 600 mg QD, treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) were 92.7%;most (64.0%) were grade 1-2. The most common TEAEs were increased AST (60.7%), increased ALT (55.6%), and diarrhea (55.6%). Neurological TEAEs (dizziness, 18.5%;dysgeusia, 12.4%) and discontinuations due to TEAEs (3.4%) were low. Further updated results will be presented. [Formula presented] Conclusions With additional follow-up, taletrectinib continued to demonstrate meaningful efficacy outcomes including high response rates, prolonged PFS, robust intracranial activity, activity against G2032R, and tolerable safety with low incidence of neurological AEs. Clinical trial identification NCT04395677. Editorial acknowledgement Medical writing and editorial assistance were provided by Arpita Kulshrestha of Peloton Advantage, LLC, an OPEN Health company, and funded by AnHeart Therapeutics, Inc Legal entity responsible for the study AnHeart Therapeutics, Inc. Funding AnHeart Therapeutics, Inc. Disclosure S. He: Financial Interests, Personal, Other, Employment: AnHeart Therapeutics. T. Seto: Financial Interests, Institutional, Research Grant: AbbVie, Chugai Pharmaceutical, Daiichi Sankyo, Eli Lilly Japan, Kissei Pharmaceutical, MSD, Novartis Pharma, Pfizer Japan, Takeda Pharmaceutical;Financial Interests, Personal, Other, Employment: Precision Medicine Asia;Financial Interests, Personal, Speaker's Bureau, Honoraria for lectures: AstraZeneca, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Chugai Pharmaceutical, Covidien Japan, Daiichi Sankyo, Eli Lilly Japan, Kyowa Hakko Kirin, MSD, Mochida Pharmaceutical, Nippon Boehringer Ingelheim, Novartis Pharma, Ono Pharmaceutical, Pfizer Japan, Taiho Pharmaceutical, Takeda Pharmaceutical, Towa Pharmaceutical. C. Zhou: Financial Interests, Personal, Other, Consulting fees: Innovent Biologics Qilu, Hengrui, TopAlliance Biosciences Inc;Financial Interests, Personal, Speaker's Bureau, Payment or honoraria: Eli Lilly China, Sanofi, BI, Roche, MSD, Qilu, Hengrui, Innovent Biologics, C-Stone LUYE Pharma, TopAlliance Biosciences Inc, Amoy Diagnositics, AnHeart. All other authors have declared no conflicts of interest.Copyright © 2023 International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer. Published by Elsevier Inc.

In silico and in vitro evaluation of imatinib as an inhibitor for SARS-CoV-2.

The rapid geographic expansion of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the infectious agent of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, poses an immediate need for potent drugs. Enveloped viruses infect the host cell by cellular membrane fusion, a crucial mechanism required for virus replication. The SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein, due to its primary interaction with the human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) cell-surface receptor, is considered a potential target for drug development. In this study, around 5,800 molecules were virtually screened using molecular docking. Five molecules were selected for in vitro experiments from those that reported docking scores lower than -6 kcal/mol. Imatinib, a Bcr-Abl tyrosine kinase inhibitor, showed maximum antiviral activity in Vero cells. We further investigated the interaction of imatinib, a compound under clinical trials for the treatment of COVID-19, with SARS-CoV-2 RBD, using in silico methods. Molecular dynamics simulations verified that imatinib interacts with RBD residues that are critical for ACE2 binding. This study also provides significant molecular insights on potential repurposable small-molecule drugs and chemical scaffolds for the development of novel drugs targeting the SARS-CoV-2 spike RBD.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Postmarketing data collection and evidence evaluation

AIFA Monitoring Registries (wMRs) constitute a collection of drug registries (product registries) deployed to physicians and pharmacists through a national web platform. They have been adopted in the clinical practice since 2005 and are used to define the population for which the drug is available under the umbrella of the National Health Service (NHS - Servizio Sanitario Nazionale SSN), monitor prescription appropriateness and ensure the rapid access to potentially priority medicines allowing the implementation of patient-based managed entry agreements (MEAs). Each registry consists of specific data entry forms, collecting data at the patient level and filled in by authorized clinicians and pharmacists. The required information includes: 1. Registration form with patient personal data (anonymized after registration);2. Eligibility and clinical data form;3. Prescription and administration forms;4. Evaluation of disease status and treatment update form;and 5. End-of-treatment form. Evaluation and end-of-treatment forms provide main safety and effectiveness data at a patient level. Moreover, since entry forms are the same throughout the nation, this platform allows access to treatment in a homogeneous manner throughout the country. Recently, a new type of registry has been released, with the primary aim of monitoring the pregnancy prevention programme (PPP) following the prescription of potentially teratogenic medicinal products. All this information is collected in a national database that represents a key source of postmarketing evidence that is frequently exploited to answer both administrative and clinical questions, such as drug utilization among a specific pharmacological class or the effectiveness of a drug in a census consisting of all Italian patients treated with that medicinal product. For example, given the prospective nature of the data contained inside the wMRs, AIFA together with members of the relevant scientific associations were able to evaluate the effect of the COVID- 19 pandemic and lockdown measures on the new prescription (i.e. first prescription) of some cardiovascular drugs in Italy and suggest new studies to analyse the occurrence of new cardiovascular- related events resulting from the decline in the activation of these treatments. Equally important is the work assessing the effectiveness of tyrosine kinase inhibitors in chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) patients in Italian clinical practice, which was able to highlight important aspects on both expected mortality and consequential use in first and second line TKIs in Italy. Finally, the wMRs were also a critical instrument in the management of the COVID-19 medicinal products since 29 October 2020, providing essential evidence on drug availability through the country, predicting possible shortages and publishing hundreds of freely available reports on the utilization trend of COVID-19 drugs in the different Italian Regions. In conclusion, the wMRs represent a key tool to generate pharmaco-epidemiological evidences in the Real-world setting and monitoring drug appropriateness for expensive, innovative drug.

Patients with B-cell malignancies experience reduced antibody responses with class switching defect following BNT162b2 SARS-CoV-2 vaccination

Vaccines having aided in escaping the majority of the population from immunological naïvety, our strategies are now shifting towards an increased focus on identifying and protecting the extremely vulnerable. We here describe the results of testing 12 patients, those with lymphoid malignancies having been targeted their B-cells for therapy with rituximab-containing regimens or a Bruton tyrosine kinase inhibitor, for anti-SARS-CoV-2 spike antibodies after receiving the BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine doses. The interval from last dosing of B-cell depletion therapy to SARS-CoV-2 vaccination was at median 5.3 (range 3.1–6.6) months. Using the ‘seroprotection' threshold of 775 [BAU/mL] for the anti-spike antibody titer, our finding points out the crucial unresponsiveness of the targeted population with 0/12 (0%) achieving ‘seroprotection'. Although IgG seroconversion was observed in 4/12 (33%), supporting the overall benefit of vaccination, the figures still point out a potential need for optimization of practice. IgA was further less responsive (unsuccessful ‘seroconversion' in 11/12 (92%)), implicating an underlying class switch defect. Those with depletion on B-cells are caught at a dilemma between, being too early and too late on receiving SARS-CoV-2 vaccines. They wish to get over their immunological naïvety at the earliest, while, in order to assure quality immune memory, are also required to hold the patience for their B-cells to repopulate. Although it remains an issue whether intensified vaccine schedules and/or regimens will lead to stronger immunogenicity or more effective boosters for non-responders, we shall take advantage of every increasing evidence in order to optimize current options. © 2022 Japanese Society of Chemotherapy and The Japanese Association for Infectious Diseases

Evaluation of In Vitro Distribution and Plasma Protein Binding of Selected Antiviral Drugs (Favipiravir, Molnupiravir and Imatinib) against SARS-CoV-2.

There are a number of uncertainties regarding plasma protein binding and blood distribution of the active drugs favipiravir (FAVI), molnupiravir (MOLNU) and imatinib (IMA), which were recently proposed as therapeutics for the treatment of COVID-19 disease. Therefore, proton dissociation processes, solubility, lipophilicity, and serum protein binding of these three substances were investigated in detail. The drugs display various degrees of lipophilicity at gastric (pH 2.0) and blood pH (pH 7.4). The determined pKa values explain well the changes in lipophilic character of the respective compounds. The serum protein binding was studied by membrane ultrafiltration, frontal analysis capillary electrophoresis, steady-state fluorometry, and fluorescence anisotropy techniques. The studies revealed that the ester bond in MOLNU is hydrolyzed by protein constituents of blood serum. Molnupiravir and its hydrolyzed form do not bind considerably to blood proteins. Likewise, FAVI does not bind to human serum albumin (HSA) and α1-acid glycoprotein (AGP) and shows relatively weak binding to the protein fraction of whole blood serum. Imatinib binds to AGP with high affinity (logK' = 5.8-6.0), while its binding to HSA is much weaker (logK' ≤ 4.0). The computed constants were used to model the distribution of IMA in blood plasma under physiological and 'acute-phase' conditions as well.

COVID-19 infection in patients with chronic myeloid leukemia in the Orenburg region during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic

Background. Oncohematological patients are more predispose to SARS-CoV-2 infection than healthy individuals and patients with malignant neoplasms, and also they have a worse prognosis, which is because of immune system disorders, both due to the underlying disease and as a result of immunosuppressive therapy. There is limited data regarding the impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection on the survival of patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). Aim. To evaluate the course and outcome of COVID-19 in patients with CML in the Orenburg region during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Materials and methods. All 166 patients with CML over 18 years of age were analyzed during the COVID-19 pandemic between february 2020 and December 2021. The source of information was data from the personalized register of patients with CML and the unified state health information system. Results. The proportion of SARS-CoV-2 infection among patients with CML was 36 %. The risk of infection was not affected by age, gender, work features, place of residence, phase or duration of the disease, and therapy. underwent COVID-19 patients were 1.6 times more likely to be overweight and 2 times more likely to have a second cancer. A significant increase in the number of outpatient visits to polyclinics and number of hospital admissions during the pandemic was revealed in the group of patients who had SARS-CoV-2 infection. underwent COVID-19 patients were over 60 years of age in 48.3 % of cases and had one or more comorbidities in 77.6 % cases. SARS-CoV-2-infected patients with CML had a favorable outcome: a mild course of infection in 75.9 % of cases and a low mortality rate - 6.8 % (4 of 58 patients) were observed. COVID-19 was recognized as the cause of death in only 2 patients with optimal molecular response and comorbidity. In two other patients who underwent COVID-19, the progression of CML to a blast crisis was recognized as the cause of death. There were no significant differences in mortality level in the group of patients who had SARS-CoV-2 infection and those who did not have COVID-19. Conclusion. patients with CML living in the Orenburg region have a low susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 infection and a mild course of the disease. The mortality rate for CML patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 was 6.8 %. unfavorable factors in the overall survival of patients with CML infected with SARS-CoV-2 were high comorbidity and blast crisis. Reducing the number of outpatient visits during the pandemic and using remote medical consultations is likely to reduce the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Copyright © 2022 ABV-Press Publishing House. All rights reserved.

A phase III, randomized, open-label study (CONTACT-02) of cabozantinib plus atezolizumab versus second novel hormone therapy in patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer.

Cabozantinib inhibits multiple receptor tyrosine kinases, including the TAM kinase family, and may enhance response to immune checkpoint inhibitors. One cohort of the ongoing phase Ib COSMIC-021 study (NCT03170960) evaluating cabozantinib plus the PD-L1 inhibitor atezolizumab in men with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) that has progressed in soft tissue on/after enzalutamide and/or abiraterone treatment for metastatic disease has shown promising efficacy. Here, we describe the rationale and design of a phase III trial of cabozantinib plus atezolizumab versus a second novel hormone therapy (NHT) in patients who have previously received an NHT for mCRPC, metastatic castration-sensitive PC or nonmetastatic CRPC and have measurable visceral disease and/or extrapelvic adenopathy - a population with a significant unmet need for treatment options. Trial Registration Clinical Trial Registration: NCT04446117 (ClinicalTrials.gov) Registered on 24 June 2020.

HEMORRHAGIC PLEURAL EFFUSION IN A PATIENT WITH CHRONIC LYMPHOCYTIC LEUKEMIA ON IBRUTINIB THERAPY

SESSION TITLE: Problems in the Pleura Case Posters 1 SESSION TYPE: Case Report Posters PRESENTED ON: 10/17/2022 12:15 pm - 01:15 pm INTRODUCTION: Ibrutinib is an irreversible inhibitor of Bruton's tyrosine kinase (Btk), approved for treatment of a variety of B-cell malignancies, including chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). There is an association of increased risk of bleeding with ibrutinib due to platelet dysfunction caused by the medication. Bleeding is usually non-life threating such as subcutaneous or mucosal bleeding, epistaxis, and ecchymosis. But major bleeding has been reported such as intracranial hemorrhage and gastrointestinal hemorrhage. Thoracic complications from ibrutinib are rare. Below is a case report discussing a hemorrhagic pleural effusion thought to be caused by Ibrutinib. CASE PRESENTATION: Patient is a 78-year-old male initially diagnosed with CLL on flow cytometry showing a low-grade B cell lymphoproliferative process. Patient was monitored by Hematology and when kappa light chain numbers began to rise, a bone marrow biopsy was performed showing 90% infiltration of the marrow with lymphoid cells. Patient was started on Ibrutinib therapy and responded well to treatment. A year after starting therapy, patient presented to the emergency room with increased shortness of breath and fatigue. Patient was found to be COVID-19 positive and chest x-ray showed a large right sided pleural effusion. Thoracentesis was performed draining 1650cc of bloody fluid. Fluid studies revealed a lymphocytic effusion with RBC count 1,185375, WBC of 1751. Cultures and cytology were negative. On further history, patient was without recent trauma or surgery, CTA chest was negative for pulmonary embolism. QuantiFERON Gold test was negative, indicating low likelihood of tuberculosis. Patient was not on any antiplatelet or systemic anticoagulation medications. Ibrutinib therapy was held during hospitalization and pleural effusion did not reaccumulate. Patient passed away during hospital stay secondary to respiratory failure due to COVID-19. DISCUSSION: Ibrutinib is an orally bioavailable bruton tyrosine kinase inhibitor (BTKi) and forms an irreversible covalent bound to BTK at the Cysteine-481 residue. Ibrutinib predisposes to bleeding by inhibiting BTK and Tec, which play a role in the inhibitory signaling pathway of platelet collagen receptors such as glycoprotein VI (GP VI) and C-type lectin-like receptor 2 (CLEC-2). Our patient had no other risk factors for developing a hemorrhagic effusion. CLL itself can cause malignant effusions, one study found the incidence of malignant effusions among patients with CLL to be 9%, but the effusion was noted to be serous or serosanguinous and there was pleural involvement in all patients which was not the case in our patient. CONCLUSIONS: There is currently a minimal amount of data to guide clinicians regarding the use of ibrutinib in patients at high risk of bleeding or on anticoagulant or antiplatelet therapy. It is important to realize bleeding complications related to ibrutinib therapy can occur. Reference #1: Shatzel JJ, Olson SR, Tao DL, McCarty OJT, Danilov AV, DeLoughery TG. Ibrutinib-associated bleeding: pathogenesis, management and risk reduction strategies. J Thromb Haemost. 2017;15(5):835-847. doi:10.1111/jth.13651 Reference #2: Burger JA, Tedeschi A, Barr PM, et al. Ibrutinib as Initial Therapy for Patients with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia. N Engl J Med. 2015;373(25):2425-2437. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa1509388 Reference #3: Paydas S. Management of adverse effects/toxicity of ibrutinib. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol. 2019;136:56-63. doi:10.1016/j.critrevonc.2019.02.001 DISCLOSURES: No relevant relationships by fatima ali No relevant relationships by Joan Wiley

TREATMENT OF ACUTE LYMPHOBLASTIC LEUKEMIA DURING COVID-19

Background: During the coronavirus pandemic, the risk of severe COVID-19 and mortality are higher in certain groups, in particular in patients with oncohematological diseases. Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is a special group of oncohematological diseases in which mortality in the era of COVID-19 has increased 2-3 times. Currently, there is no consensus on the treatment of ALL during coronavirus infection. Aims: To determine the basic principles and features of the management of patients with ALL during COVID-19. Methods: 46 patients with ALL and COVID-19 (men 52.2%, women 47.8%) aged 18-74 years (median-44.5) were treated at the Moscow City Clinical Hospital 52 on 01.04.20-01.11.21. B-ALL was 58.7% (27 patients), T-ALL - 34.8% (16 patients), biphenotypic - 4.3% (2 patients), not defined - 2.2% (1 patient), Ph-positive ALL - 17.4% (8 patients). The status of the disease of patients upon admission to the Hospital differed: debut of ALL - 20 patients (43.5%), remission - 16 patients (34.8%), relapse and refractory course - 10 patients (21.7%). All patients were treated COVID-19 in accordance with the current guidelines for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of COVID- 19 (interleukin 6 inhibitor, anticoagulant and antibacterial therapy, glucocorticoids (GCs), human immunoglobulin (IG) against COVID-19). According to vital indications and with stabilization of the patient's condition, 18 patients (39.1%) received chemotherapy (CT). Results: There were no deaths in the group of patients with remission of ALL. In patients with the debut of ALL, mortality was 45% (9 patients), in relapse and refractory course - 50% (5 patients) (p=0.005). Mortality in the group who did not receive CT was 35.7%, and in the group who received CT - 22.2%. 6 patients with Ph-positive ALL (75.0%) continued therapy with tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI). According to the protocol for the treatment of ALL, full doses of GCs (100%) and anthracyclines (ATC) (100%) were used, lumbar punctures (LP) and intrathecal (IT) injections of CT (100%) were continued. Due to the high risk of thrombotic complications in COVID-19 and asparaginase therapy, anticoagulant therapy was performed (100%). Prevention of pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP) (89.1%), antifungal (37.0%) and antibacterial (87.0%) therapy were carried out in the treatment of COVID-19. With the persistence of COVID-19 and the absence of antibodies to COVID-19, 2 patients received repeated transfusion of human IG against COVID-19. Summary/Conclusion: During the COVID-19 pandemic, patients in remission of ALL coronavirus infection are treated and controlled. Treatment of COVID-19 in patients with ALL is carried out according to general protocols for the treatment of COVID-19, taking into account the peculiarities of nosology (agranulocytosis, high risk of PCP and fungal infection with long-term therapy of GCs, persistence of COVID-19). When the patient's condition is stabilized, the issue of CT should be decided individually in each case, taking into account all the risks of ALL and COVID-19. During CT, use full doses of GCs, ATC. In patients with mild and moderate COVID-19, continue LP and IT injections of CT, therapy with TKI.

B-CELL MALIGNANCIES TREATED WITH TARGETED DRUGS AND SARS-COV-2 INFECTION. A EUROPEAN HEMATOLOGY ASSOCIATION SURVEY (EPICOVIDEHA)

Background: Patients with lymphoproliferatie diseases (LPD) appear particularly ulnerable to SARS-CoV-2 infection, partly because of the effects of the anti-neoplastic regimens (chemotherapy, signaling pathway inhibitors, and monoclonal antibodies) on the immune system. The real impact of COVID-19 on the life expectancy of patients with different subtypes of lymphoma and targeted treatment is still unknown. Aims: The aim of this study is to describe and analyse the outcome of COVID-19 patients with underlying LPD treated with targeted drugs such as monoclonal antibodies (obinutuzumab, ofatumumab, brentuximab, niolumab or pembrolizumab), BTK inhibitors (ibrutinib, acalabrutinib), PI3K inhibitors (idelalisib), BCL2 inhibitors (enetoclax) and IMIDs, (lenalidomide). Methods: The surey was supported by EPICOVIDEHA registry. Adult patients with baseline CLL or non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL) treated with targeted drugs and laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 diagnosed between January 2020 and January 2022 were selected. Results: The study included 368 patients (CLL n=205, 55.7%;NHL n=163, 44.3%) treated with targeted drugs (Table 1). Median follow-up was 70.5 days (range 19-159). Most used targeted drugs were ITKs (51.1%), anti-CD20 other than rituximab (16%), BCL2 inhibitors (7.3%) and lenalidomide (7.9%). Of note, only 16.0% of the patients were accinated with 2 or more doses of accine at the onset of COVID-19. Pulmonary symptoms were present at diagnosis in 244 patients (66.2%). Seere COVID-19 was obsered in 47.8 % patients while 21.7% were admitted to to intensie care unit (ICU), being 55 (26.8%) CLL patients and 25 (15.3%) NHL patients. More comorbidities were reported in patients with seere-critical COVID-19 compared to those with mild- asymptomatic infection (p=0.002). This difference was releant in patients with chronic heart diseases (p=0.005). Oerall, 134 patients (36.4%) died. Primary cause of death was COVID-19 in 92 patients (68.7%), LPD in 14 patients (10.4%), and a combination of both in 28 patients (20.9%).Mortality was 24.2% (89/368) at day 30 and 34.5%(127/368) at day 200. After a Cox multiariable regression age >75 years (p<0.001, HR 1.030), actie malignancy (p=0.011, HR 1.574) and admission to ICU (p<0.00, HR 4.624) were obsered as risk factors. Surial in patients admitted to ICU was 33.7% (LLC 38.1%, NHL 24%). Mortality rate decreased depending on accination status, being 34.2% in not accinated patients, 15.9-18% with one or two doses, decreasing to 9.7% in patients with booster dose (p<0.001). There was no difference in OS in NLH s CLL patients (p=0.344), nor in ITKs s no ITKs treated patients (p=0.987). Additionally, mortality rate dropped from the first semester 2020 (41.3%) to last semester 2021 (25%). Summary/Conclusion: - Our results confirm that patients with B--mallignancies treatted with targeted drugs hae a high risk off seere infection (47.8%) and mortality (36.4%) from COVID-19. - Pressence of comorbidities,, especially heart disease,, is a risk factor for seere COVIID--19 infection in ourr series. - Age >75 years,, actie mallignancy att COVIID--19 onset and ICU admission were mortality risk factors. - COVIID--19 acination was a protectie factor for mortality,, een iin this popullation wiitth humorall immunity impairment. - The learning cure in the management of the infection throughout the pandemiic and the deelopmentt off COVIID--19 treatments showed benefit in this partticullarlly ullnerablle popullation? (Table Presented).

ASCIMINIB PROVIDES DURABLE MOLECULAR RESPONSES IN PATIENTS (PTS) WITH CHRONIC MYELOID LEUKEMIA IN CHRONIC PHASE (CML-CP) WITH THE T315I MUTATION: UPDATED EFFICACY AND SAFETY DATA FROM A PHASE I TRIAL

Background: In pts with CML, the BCR::ABL1 T315I mutation is associated with poor clinical outcomes and confers resistance to previously approved ATP-competitive tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). Until recently, ponatinib (PON) was the only TKI available for these pts, but its use may be limited by associated cardiovascular events. In the primary analysis of the phase I trial X2101, asciminib-the 1st BCR::ABL1 inhibitor to Specifically Target the ABL Myristoyl Pocket (STAMP)-demonstrated efficacy and a favorable safety profile in heavily pretreated pts with CML with T315I. These results supported the FDA approval of asciminib as a new treatment option for pts with CML-CP with T315I (NCCN 2021). We report updated efficacy and safety data in these pts (data cutoff: January 6, 2021). Aims: Provide updated safety and efficacy data for pts with CML-CP with T315I treated with asciminib monotherapy 200 mg twice daily (BID) after added exposure. Methods: Pts with CML-CP with T315I were enrolled if treated with ≥1 prior TKI and no other effective therapy was available, provided informed consent, and received asciminib 200 mg BID. Results: 48 pts with T315I were included;2 (4.2%) pts had additional BCR::ABL1 mutations at baseline. Eight (16.7%), 15 (31.3%) and 25 (52.1%) pts received 1,2, and ≥3 prior TKIs, respectively. At data cutoff, treatment was ongoing in more than half (27 [56.3%]) of pts;the predominant reason for treatment discontinuation was physician's decision (11 [22.9%]), mainly due to lack of efficacy. Of the 48 pts, 45 were evaluable (BCR::ABL1IS >0.1% at baseline) for major molecular response (MMR);3 were excluded for BCR::ABL1 atypical transcripts. Among evaluable pts, 19 (42.2%) achieved MMR by wk 24 and 22 (48.9%) by wk 96;19 were still in MMR at the cutoff date. Evaluable pts included 26 PON-pretreated and 19 PONnaive pts;34.6% and 68.4%, respectively, achieved MMR by the cutoff date (Table). The probability of pts maintaining MMR for ≥96 wks was 84% (95% CI, 68.1-100.0). Thirteen (28.9%) and 11 (24.4%) pts achieved MR4 and MR4.5, respectively. Twenty (54.1%) and 23 (62.2%) of 37 pts with BCR::ABL1IS >1% at baseline achieved BCR::ABL1IS ≤1% by wk 48 and 96, respectively. The median duration of exposure was 2.08 (range, 0.04-4.13) yrs with more than half (27 [56.3%]) of pts receiving treatment for ≥96 wks;the median daily dose intensity was 398.3 (range, 179-400) mg/day. The safety/tolerability profile of asciminib remained favorable after ≈9 months of added follow-up (Table). The most common (≥5%) grade ≥3 adverse events (AEs) were lipase increase (18.8%, all asymptomatic elevations), thrombocytopenia (14.6%), and vomiting, ALT increase, abdominal pain, hypertension, anemia, neutropenia, and neutrophil count decrease (6.3% each). Arterial occlusive events occurred in 4 (8.3%) pts;none led to dose adjustment/interruption/discontinuation. AEs leading to discontinuation were reported in 2 new pts since the previous data cutoff;both pts discontinued and died due to COVID-19. These were the only study deaths reported in this pt population. Image: Summary/Conclusion: Asciminib monotherapy 200 mg BID exhibited a sustained, favorable safety profile after added exposure with no new safety signals in pts with CML-CP with T315I-a population with high unmet medical need. The clinical efficacy of asciminib is demonstrated by the high proportion of pts achieving durable MMR and BCR::ABL1IS ≤ 1%. The updated analysis confirms asciminib as a treatment option for pts with CML-CP with T315I, including those for whom treatment with PON has failed.

RISK FACTORS FOR UNFAVORABLE OUTCOME OF HOSPITALIZED PANTIENTS WITH CONCURENT CHRONIC LYMPHOCYTIC LEUKEMIA AND COVID-19 - EXPERIENCE OF THREE SERBIAN UNIVERSITY CENTERS

Background: Vulnerability of patients (pts) with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and their susceptibility to Covid-19 infection is documented in several studies with reported case fatality rates (CFRs) up to 40%, but there is still paucity of data on identifying risk factors of their adverse outcome. Aims: To evaluate demographic, patient-related, CLL-related and Covid-19 related risk factors in hospitalized pts with concurrent CLL and Covid-19. Methods: Total of 81 CLL pts were identified in medical records of three University centers in Belgrade: Clinical Hospital Center (CHC) Zemun, CHC Bezanijska kosa and CHC Zvezdara dedicated to treatment of Covid-19 pts during pandemic (from 15 March 2020 to 31 December 2021). Results: For all 81 pts CFR was 32.1%. Age (median age 68 yrs;range 45-90 yrs) and sex (apparent male prevalence: 61 male and 20 female;M:F=3.05) had no influence on outcome. Pts with Charlson comorbidity index >4 (29/81;35.8%) had significantly higher CFR (38% vs 9.5%, p=0,025). Concerning CLL-directed treatment: 26/81(32.1%) pts were on active treatment (5 pts were on Bruton tyrosine kinase inhibitor, 21pts receiving imunochemotherapy), 11/81(13.6%) pts were in remission on previous lines of therapy, while 44/81(54.3%) pts were treatment naive. CLL treatment history had no impact on CFR, as well as anemia (Hb<100g/l) that was present in 29/81(35.8%)pts, hipogammaglobulinemia (21/81;26%pts) and hiperferritinemia>450ng/mL (50/81;61.7%pts). Of evaluated laboratory parameters, high levels of lactate-dehydrogenase (LDH>2xUNL:6/81;7.4%pts), D-dimer (>1000ng/mL:36/81;44.4%pts), and C-reactive protein (CRP>100mg/L: 31/81;38.3%pts) proved to be associated with adverse outcome;p-values 0.002, 0.039 and <0.001, respectively. According to Covid-19 clinical course, the severe Covid-19 score had 35(43,2%)pts, and critical 19(23.5%)pts. Covid-19 infection was treated according to current National guidelines. Corticosteroids were administrated to 81.5% of pts, antiviral agents to 38.3%, IL-6 receptor inhibitor to 11.1%, antiviral monoclonal antibodies to 7.4% and intravenous immunoglobulin to 19.8% of pts. None of listed therapeutic approaches had impact on CFRs. Antibiotics were administrated to 43/81 (53.1%) of pts with documented or highly suspected concomitant bacterial infection (procaltitonin level>0.5ng/mL and/or chest X-Ray image corresponding to bacterial pneumonia), and the bacterial coinfection had adverse impact on CFR (51.2% vs.10.2%;p<0.001). Significantly higher mortality was documented in pts who needed supplemental oxygen (58/81;71%) (CFR 43.1 vs.4.3%;p<0.001), and intensive care unit (ICU) admission (25/81-30.9%;19/25 needed mechanical ventilation) (CFR 88% vs.7.1%;p<0.001). In multivariate analysis, bacterial coinfection and ICU admission proved to be the most significant adverse parameters influencing outcome (p=0.012). Summary/Conclusion: Our study proved the dismal outcome of CLL pts with concurrent Covid-19. That could be mainly attributed to the high proportion of bacterial coinfections reflecting their frailty and sucessibility to both viral and bacterial infections.